The I LOVE NEW YORK Winter Ski Bus will begin weekly trips from New York City to upstate ski areas on January 22. On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, the bus will offer downstate skiers and riders day trips to Hunter, Plattekill and Belleayre mountains, plus an overnight trip to Whiteface Mountain in Lake Placid. Additionally, I LOVE NEW YORK has partnered with popular outfitter REI to further spread the word about the outdoor adventures that the State has to offer.

The I LOVE NEW YORK Bus winter program schedule features:

Fridays to Hunter Mountain, providing weekday access for skiers and snowboarders with shorter lift lines and more runs in the Snowmaking Capital of the World.

Saturdays to Plattekill Mountain, featuring 38 different trails and a family-friendly atmosphere, the mountain offers a great skiing experience for everyone.

Sundays to Belleayre, this model of winter mountain perfection offers 50 trails, parks and glades and a 1,404 vertical drop.

Overnight Trip to Whiteface Mountain, Lake Placid: Experience the mountain with highest vertical drop east of the Rockies and host of the 1980 Winter Olympic Games. In the evening enjoy the beautiful town of Lake Placid for dining and further shopping and entertainment.

Also new in 2016 is the Have Your Own Mountain for a Day option. This exciting new feature allows groups of 100 or more to reserve Plattekill Mountain on a weekday just for themselves. Reservations can be made through Hampton Jitney, call 631-283-4600 ext. 343 for more information. Trips can be booked now at www.Iloveny.com/bus.

Hampton Jitney Vice President Andrew Lynch said, “The success of the I LOVE NEW YORK BUS ski trips last year led us to expand our destinations for 2016. With new partners like REI joining this year, the momentum and engagement is sure to grow.”

“The I LOVE NEW YORK Bus is a great way for downstate skiers and riders to enjoy some of New York State’s top mountains,” said Governor Andrew Cuomo. “It has never been easier for New Yorkers and tourists alike to experience the world renowned skiing and other outdoor recreational activities that await them upstate this winter.”

Partnership with REI

I LOVE NEW YORK’s partnership with REI will help promote winter attractions and outdoor recreation in New York State through in-store promotions, email offers and ski visit information on the company’s website. The partnership will also introduce travelers to New York State’s booming craft beverage and winery trails.

REI Outdoor Programs and Outreach Manager Melissa Abramson said, “REI is thrilled to be partnering with I LOVE NEW YORK to provide the opportunity for our members and customers to explore some of New York’s most beautiful ski destinations.”

Anyone who loves the outdoors can come to the co-op to learn a new activity or advance their skills with the local REI Outdoor School. REI Outdoor School is the nation’s largest provider of outdoor education, offering a wide variety of beginner to advanced classes led by professionally trained instructors. REI’s instructors are passionate about the outdoors and are dedicated to teaching outdoor ethics and outdoor skills with each and every experience. Across the country, REI Outdoor School offers a robust schedule of free and low-cost in-store classes, field programs and day outings for cycling, paddling, fitness, hiking and camping, climbing, snow sports, photography and wilderness medicine.

Last year, more than 200,000 people participated in an REI Outdoor School program or outing, including more than 5,000 New York-area residents. Examples of popular local classes are Intro to Outdoor Rock Climbing, Hiking Tri-States Best Places and Introduction to Kayaking. Since REI Outdoor School launched in 2005, over 1 million people have learned with the co-op. Learn more at http://www.rei.com/learn.html.

Hampton Jitney is a pioneer in the transportation field. In 1974, Hampton Jitney started with one van and a commitment to providing the finest personalized transportation service between Eastern Long Island and metropolitan New York. Building on that simple premise, Hampton Jitney now operates a fleet of luxury motor coaches and limousines. Hundreds of thousands of people now travel each year in style and comfort, safely and on time via Hampton Jitney. Hampton Jitney operates 365 days a year between Eastern Long Island and Metro New York, including the airports. In addition, Hampton Jitney limousines, charters and tour coaches operate regularly throughout the northeastern U.S. and Canada. More information is available athttp://www.hamptonjitney.com/.

New York State features 11 beautiful vacation regions. New York’s attractions feature landmarks such as Niagara Falls, the largest park in the continental U.S. in the Adirondacks and treasures such as the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown and the Corning Museum of Glass. New York State offers diverse activities for all: outdoor fun – fishing, hiking and boating, year-round festivals and exploring the rich history and culture of one of the 13 original colonies. Visitors also enjoy the fine cuisine, beverage trails and farm-to-table fresh foods. For more information, visit http://www.iloveny.com.

Follow the I LOVE NY social media channels for news on tourism in New York State. Check out I LOVE NEW YORK on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for great ideas for your next getaway.